Memorial Day

One of my all-time favorite videos.

The United States Declaration of Independence, namely the Preamble, always gives me chills to read over:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.


So in awe of those that sacrifice so much for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

water

The best of man is like water,

Which benefits all things, and does not contend with them,

Which flows in places that others disdain,

Where it is in harmony with the Way.

So the sage:

Lives within nature,

Thinks within the deep,

Gives within impartiality,

Speaks within trust,

Governs within order,

Crafts within ability,

Acts within opportunity.

He does not contend, and none contend against him.

Lao Tzu

alive inside

This clip from the recently released documentary Alive Inside really struck a chord with me. I think I've got a soft spot for old folks; I've been known to tear up at the sight of an elderly man eating alone in a cafe on several occasions. All of the sudden visions of my own grandparents, a few scenes from UP, and the desire to adopt and hug every old person on the planet overwhelms me and I usually end up crying. The cycle of life is what really blows my mind. These individuals held jobs, raised families, served their countries, witnessed revolutions, horrors and miracles, and changed the world in their own ways. They have reached the peak of human existence and are at the end of their cycle. It would seem that people who had experienced all of this would be revered, admired, and celebrated, but the tragic truth is that so often they're disregarded and forgotten by family; have often outlived dear friends. Allow yourself to be inspired and touched by the clip, and if you're lucky enough to have them a phone call away, tell Gramps and Grams you love them. 

Gold

It's party time. 

heaven on earth

In the words of Belinda Carlisle, "Ooh, heaven is a place on earth."

june

Can't wait for June.

sense

Kalle Gustafsson's photographs take my breath away. The tones and retro feel of the shots leave me completely mesmerized and I feel like I can sense the smells, sounds, and environment of each one. Delicious.